Expression of protein gene product 9.5 in the anterior lens epithelial cells of atopic cataracts.

PURPOSE

To investigate the mechanisms of atopic cataract by immunohistochemically observing protein gene product 9.5 in lens epithelial cells (LECs) of atopic cataracts.

SETTING

Departments of Ophthalmology and Anatomy, Shiga University of Medical Science, Shiga, Japan.

METHODS

Specimens of anterior capsule obtained from 6 patients with atopic cataract and 8 patients with senile cataract were stained immunohistochemically and examined by light, electron, and confocal microscopy.

RESULTS

In the LECs of the atopic cataracts, the arrangement and cell shape were varied. Immunohistochemistry for protein gene product 9.5 demonstrated selective localization, unlike with senile cataracts. This was especially prevalent in the spindle-shaped cells around the central opaque lesion. Protein gene product 9.5 positive cells overlapped with major basic protein positive cells in the atopic cataracts.

CONCLUSIONS

The results indicate that the properties of LECs of atopic cataracts are different from those of senile cataracts. Protein gene product 9.5 and major basic protein seem to be concentrated in atopic cataracts.